Full-Time RVing On A Budget

Are you thinking about hitting the open road in an RV but you wonder if you can afford it? You may be surprised to learn that living in an RV is more affordable than you might think. With a little planning, you can easily live in your RV on a budget. And you can still experience the best of the RV lifestyle.

In this ultimate guide to Full-Time RVing On A Budget, we’re going to show you how you can save money on everything from RV travel expenses to day-to-day living expenses. We’re going to cover special considerations for RVing with children, pets, and even people with disabilities. And if you’re wondering about traveling in different climates, we’ll cover that, too.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seasoned RVers or just thinking about it, we’ve written this guide for you. 

• Section 1: Saving Money On RV Travel Expenses
• Section 2: Saving Money On RV Living Essentials
• Section 3: Saving Money On RV Camping
• Section 4: RVing With Special Considerations
• Section 5: RVing With Companions
• Section 6: RVing in Different Climates And Environments

How to Save Money on RV Travel Expenses

RVing is a great way to travel. But fuel costs, maintenance, upgrades, accessories, and safety equipment add up. Unchecked they can break your budget. Here are some tips on how to save money on all aspects of RVing:

Fuel:

• Drive slower. The faster you drive, the more fuel your RV will use. Try to keep your speed at 65 mph or lower.
• Use cruise control. Cruise control can help you maintain a consistent speed, which can save you fuel.
• Avoid jackrabbit starts. When you take off from a stop too quickly, you waste fuel. Try to accelerate slowly and smoothly.
• Coast to stops. When you see a red light or stop sign ahead, take your foot off the gas and coast to a stop. You might be amazed at how much fuel (and money) this one little thing can save you.
• Keep your RV properly maintained. A well-maintained RV will get better fuel economy. Be sure to keep your tires properly inflated, change your oil regularly, and keep your RV tuned up.
• Consider buying a fuel-efficient RV. If you're in the market for a new or used RV, consider buying one that is designed for fuel efficiency. There are a number of RVs on the market that get over 20 mpg.

RV Maintenance:

• Do as much of the maintenance yourself. If you're handy with tools, you can save money doing RV maintenance projects yourself. If you don’t know how to do something, Youtube it. Youtube is a treasure trove. You can learn everything from basic RV maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil, rotating the tires, to winterizing your RV.
• Take advantage of warranty coverage. Many RVs come with a warranty that covers maintenance and repairs for one to three years and sometimes longer. Be sure to read your warranty carefully and take advantage of all of the coverage that is offered.
• Find a reputable RV mechanic. If you need to have your RV serviced by a mechanic, be sure to find a mechanic who specializes in RV repair. You can get recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews.

RV Upgrades:

• Shop around for the best prices. When you're ready to upgrade your RV, be sure to compare prices from local dealers and online retailers.
• Consider buying used parts. You can often find used RV parts for a fraction of the cost of new parts. Be sure to inspect any used parts carefully before you buy them.
• Do the upgrades yourself. If you don't mind getting dirty, you can save money by doing the RV upgrades yourself. This is another area where YouTube is invaluable. There are a lot of videos on how to do basic RV upgrades.

RV Accessories:

• Shop around for the best prices. When you're ready to buy RV accessories, be sure to look for the best prices. Compare prices from local stores and online retailers.
• Consider buying used accessories. You can often find used RV accessories for a fraction of what a new part would cost. Be sure and take a few minutes to inspect any used accessories before you buy them.
• Buy in bulk. If you need multiple RV accessories, try to buy them in bulk. This may not work at a retail store, but it works great at swap meets and parts dismantlers. You can often get a discount if you buy multiple items at once.

RV Safety Equipment:

• Look for discounts on RV safety equipment. In the off season, many retailers offer discounts on RV safety equipment. Things like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors are often cheaper when the demand is less. You can also find discounts online.

Saving Money On Living Essentials

How To Save Money On Food

• Plan your meals ahead of time and make a grocery list. A shopping list will help you avoid impulse buying.
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you are traveling with a family.
• Buy in bulk when possible. This can save you money on items that you use frequently, such as rice, beans, and canned goods.
• Take advantage of free food sources. When boondocking you can foraging for wild berries and mushrooms.
• Grow your own food in a small RV garden. This is a great way to save money on fresh produce.

How to Save Money on RV Cooking

• Use a propane stove instead of an electric stove. Propane is a more efficient fuel source and can save you money on your energy bill.
• Cook in bulk and freeze leftovers. This will save you time and money on cooking meals later.
• Use a pressure cooker to cook meals quickly and efficiently. This works better when you have shore power than off a generator. 

How to Save Money on RV Entertaining

• Have potlucks with other RVers. This is a great way to socialize, make new friends, and save money on food.
• Play games and activities that don't require expensive equipment.
• Take advantage of free entertainment options, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Visit local parks and recreation centers for free or low-cost activities.

Here are some additional tips on how to save money on RV living essentials:

• Shop for groceries at discount stores. Many discount stores offer the same groceries as traditional grocery stores at a lower price.
• Buy in season produce. In season produce is typically less expensive than out of season produce.
• Use coupons and promo codes. There are many coupons and promo codes available for RV living essentials, such as food, cooking supplies, and entertainment.
• Borrow or rent items instead of buying them. If you only need an item for a short period of time, consider borrowing it from a friend or family member or renting it from a rental store.

How to Save Money on RV Camping Fees

• Book your campsites in advance. Many campgrounds offer discounts for early bookings.
• Stay at campgrounds that offer weekly or monthly rates. Weekly and monthly rates are typically lower than daily rates.
• Join an RV club. Many RV clubs offer discounts on campsites.
• Look for coupons and promo codes. There are many coupons and promo codes available for RV campsites, especially online.
• Consider camping in less popular areas. Campgrounds in less popular areas are typically less expensive than those in popular areas.

How to Save Money RVing in National Parks

• Purchase a National Parks Pass. A National Parks Pass gives you free or discounted admission to all national parks and national recreation areas for one year.
• Visit national parks during the off-season. National parks are typically less crowded and less expensive during the off-season.
• Camp at national park campgrounds. National park campgrounds are typically less expensive than private campgrounds.
• Consider staying at a national forest or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground. National forest and BLM campgrounds are typically much less expensive than national park campgrounds.

How to Save Money RVing in State Parks

• Purchase a state park pass. Many states offer state park passes that give you free admission to all state parks in the state for one year.
• Visit state parks during the off-season. State parks are typically less crowded during the day and less expensive during the off-season.
• Camp at state park campgrounds. State park campgrounds are typically less expensive than private campgrounds.

How to Save Money RVing in Private Campgrounds

• Join a campground membership program. Many private campgrounds offer membership programs that give you discounts on campsites.
• Look for coupons and promo codes. There are many coupons and promo codes available for private campgrounds, especially online.
• Consider staying at a campground that offers weekly or monthly rates. Weekly and monthly rates are typically lower than daily rates.

How to Save Money RVing in Boondocks

• Boondocking (dispersed camping) is the practice of camping on public lands without hookups. It's a great way to camp free, but it is important to check the local regulations before boondocking in any area.
• Be prepared to be self-sufficient. When boondocking, you will need to have your own water, electricity, and waste disposal facilities.
• Consider investing in a solar panel system. A solar panel system can provide you with electricity when boondocking.
• Practice the Golden Rule. If you bring it in, take it out. Don't leave your garbage for someone else to clean up.

By following these tips, you can save money on RV camping and have more money to spend on other things, such as travel and activities.

RVing with Special Considerations

How to Save Money RVing with Kids

• Plan activities ahead of time that are free or low-cost. There are many free or low-cost activities that kids can enjoy while RVing, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and playing games.
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out. Eating out can be expensive, especially when traveling with kids. Cooking your own meals can save you a lot of money.
• Pack plenty of snacks and drinks. Snacks and drinks can be expensive, especially if you are buying them at convenience stores or gas stations. Packing your own snacks and drinks can save you a lot of money.
• Look for discounts on kid-friendly activities. Many museums, amusement parks, and other attractions offer discounts for kids.
• Consider joining a family RV club. Family RV clubs often offer discounts on campsites and other RV expenses.

How to Save Money RVing with Pets

• Choose pet-friendly campgrounds. Many private campgrounds charge additional fees for pets. Choosing pet-friendly campgrounds can save you money on pet fees.
• Pack your own pet food and supplies. Pet food and supplies can be expensive, especially if you are buying them at convenience stores or gas stations. Packing your own pet food and supplies can save you a lot of money.
• Take advantage of free pet activities. Many parks and recreation areas offer free pet activities, such as dog parks and hiking trails. Many communities have dog parks as well.
• Consider joining a pet-friendly RV club. Pet-friendly RV clubs often offer discounts on campsites and other RV expenses.

How to Save Money RVing for Seniors

• Purchase a senior discount card. Many businesses offer discounts to seniors, including RV campsites, museums, and restaurants.
• Consider traveling during the off-season. Campgrounds and other tourist attractions are typically less crowded and less expensive during the off-season.
• Volunteer in exchange for free or discounted camping. Some campgrounds and other tourist attractions offer volunteer programs in exchange for free or discounted camping. It doesn't hurt to include looking for volunteer opportunities when researching you next place to visit.
• Join a senior RV club. Senior RV clubs often offer discounts on campsites and other RV expenses.

How to Save Money RVing with Disabilities

• Choose accessible campgrounds. Traveling with a disabled person can be a challenge. But many campgrounds offer easy access campsites and facilities. 
• Apply for disability discounts. Many businesses offer discounts to people with disabilities, including RV campsites, museums, and restaurants.
• Consider joining a disability RV club. Disability RV clubs often offer discounts on campsites and other RV expenses.

RVing Solo and with Companions

How to Save Money RVing Solo

• Choose a smaller RV. If you are shopping for an RV, smaller RVs are typically less expensive to purchase and operate than larger RVs.
• Cook your own meals. Eating out can be expensive, especially when traveling solo. Cooking your own meals can save you a lot of money.
• Take advantage of free activities. There are many free activities to enjoy while RVing solo, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Consider joining a solo RV club. Solo RV clubs can provide you with support and camaraderie while traveling solo.

How to Save Money RVing as a Couple

• Cook your own meals. Eating out can be expensive, especially when traveling as a couple. Cooking your own meals is a good way to spend quality time together. And it can save you a lot of money.
• Take advantage of free activities. There are many free activities to enjoy while RVing as a couple, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Local communities often have special events that you can attend at low or no cost.
• Consider joining a couples RV club. Couples RV clubs can provide you with support and camaraderie while traveling as a couple.

How to Save Money RVing with Friends

• Split the cost of the RV. If you are traveling with friends, you can split the cost of the RV. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you are renting an RV.
• Share expenses. When traveling with friends, you can share many of the expenses, such as gas, food, and campsite fees.
• Cook your own meals. Eating out is expensive, especially when traveling with a group of friends. Cooking your own meals is a great way to socialize and it will save you a lot of money.
• Take advantage of free activities. There are many free activities to enjoy while RVing with friends, such as hiking, biking, and fishing are fun activities but so is visiting a local museum or cultural center.
• Consider joining a group RV club. Group RV clubs can provide you with support and camaraderie while traveling with friends.

How to Save Money RVing with Extended Family

• Split the cost of the RV. If you are traveling with extended family, you can split the cost of the RV. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you are renting an RV.
• Share expenses. When traveling with extended family, you can share many of the expenses, such as gas, food, and campsites.
• Cook your own meals. Eating out can be expensive, especially when traveling with a large group of people. Cooking your own meals can save you a lot of money.
• Take advantage of free activities. There are many free activities to enjoy while RVing with extended family, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Consider joining a family RV club. Family RV clubs can provide you with support and camaraderie while traveling with extended family.

How to Save Money RVing Internationally

• Plan your trip ahead of time. Planning your trip ahead of time will help you budget for your trip and avoid unexpected expenses.
• Purchase a travel insurance policy. A travel insurance policy can protect you from financial losses in the event of unforeseen events, such as illness or injury.
• Be prepared for additional costs. There may be additional costs associated with RVing internationally, such as border crossing fees and ferry fees.
• Consider joining an international RV club. International RV clubs can provide you with support and information while RVing internationally.

RVing in Different Seasons and Environments

How to Save Money RVing in the Winter

• Winterize your RV. If you live in a cold climate and don't plan on using your RV, winterizing your RV is important to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. This can be done yourself or by a professional.
• Choose a winter-friendly RV. Some RVs are designed to be used in cold weather. If you are considering buying an RV look for models with the "All Season" packages. These RVs typically have better insulation and heating systems.
• Stay at campgrounds that offer winter amenities. Some campgrounds offer winter amenities, such as heated pools and hot tubs. These amenities can help you stay warm and comfortable during the winter.
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out. Eating out can be expensive, especially in the winter when many restaurants have limited hours. Cooking your own meals can save you a lot of money.
• Bundle up. Bundling up can help you stay warm without having to use as much heat in your RV. This can save you money on propane or electricity.
• Winter camping is a great experience, but it does take more preparation.

How to Save Money RVing in the Summer

• Use a sunshade. A sunshade can help keep your RV cool in the summer sun. This can save you money on air conditioning.
• Park your RV in the shade. Parking your RV in the shade can also help keep it cool.
• Use a swamp cooler. There are small, portable swamp coolers that work great in RVs. A swamp cooler is a type of air conditioner that uses water to cool the air. Swamp coolers can keep you cool while being less expensive to operate than traditional air conditioners.
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out. Eating out can be expensive, especially in the summer when many restaurants have long lines. Cooking your own meals can save you a lot of money.
• Take advantage of free activities. In most areas where people camp, there are many free activities to enjoy. Besides swimming, hiking, and biking there are often fun places to visit like museums and social events put on by local communities.

How to Save Money RVing in the Mountains

How to Save Money RVing in the Desert

• Choose a campground that has shade. The sun can be very hot in the desert, so it is important to choose a campsite that has partial or full shade. This will help keep your RV cool and save you money on propane or gas for your generator.
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out. Eating out can be expensive, especially in remote desert areas. Cooking your own meals can save you a lot of money.
• Bring plenty of water. Water is scarce in the desert, so it is important to bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
• Be aware of the dangers of the desert. The desert can be a dangerous place, so it is important to be aware of the dangers and take precautions. Before arriving at your campground, study the local wildlife. This includes being knowledgeable about snakes, scorpions, and other wildlife.

How to Save Money RVing on the Coast

• Choose a campground that is not right on the beach. Campgrounds that are near but not on the beach are typically less expensive than campgrounds that are directly on the beach.
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out. Eating out can be expensive, especially in coastal areas. Cooking your own meals is a great way to be with your family and save a lot of money.
• Take advantage of free activities. There are many free activities to enjoy while RVing on the coast, such as swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
• Be aware of the dangers of the coast. While camping on the coast is beautiful, the coast can be a dangerous place. It is important to be aware of the dangers and take precautions. This includes being aware of rip currents and tides when swimming.

How to Save Money RVing in Cities

• Choose a campground that is outside of the city you are visiting. Campgrounds outside of the city are typically less expensive than campgrounds in the city.
• Use public transportation. Public transportation can be a less expensive way to get around the city than driving your RV

Conclusion

Full-time RVing on a budget is possible, but it requires careful planning. By following the tips in this article, you can save money while full-time RVing.

Here are a few additional tips for saving money on full-time RVing:

• Live below your means. It's important to create a budget and stick to it. This may mean cutting back on unnecessary expenses, such as eating out and shopping.

• Find ways to make money while you travel. There are many ways to make money while you travel, such as freelancing, working remotely, or starting a small business.
• Take advantage of free and low-cost activities. There are many free and low-cost activities to enjoy while RVing, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

• Join RV clubs and organizations. RV clubs and organizations can offer discounts on campsites, other RV expenses, and activities.

Full-time RVing is a fun and rewarding way to see the country while living a minimalist lifestyle. By following the tips in this article, you can make it happen and do it on a budget.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey!